International & Domestic Linkages (I&DL)

The three-day Orientation Programme 2026 at NIFT Chennai was organised from 29–31 July 2026 under the theme “Unscripted,” reflecting creativity, curiosity and the possibilities of a designer’s journey. The programme was designed to familiarise the incoming students with NIFT’s academic environment, institutional culture, campus facilities and support systems.

The first day included registration, welcome kit distribution, an inaugural session, an audio-visual presentation on NIFT Chennai, an introduction to the Foundation Programme, academic guidance, alumni interaction and sessions on the Campus Management System and hostel affairs. An awareness session by the Narcotics Department also focused on responsibility and student well-being.

The second day introduced students to NIFT’s Student Activity Clubs, the Internal Complaints Committee, innovation-oriented initiatives, leadership skills and professional etiquette. A creative workshop provided students with an engaging hands-on learning experience.

The final day featured sessions on Craft and Cluster Studies, Handloom and Entrepreneurship, and Know Your City – Namma Chennai. The creative workshop culminated in an exhibition of students’ artworks, showcasing their creativity, experimentation and diverse visual expressions.

The programme concluded with the Freshers’ Talent Show, where students confidently presented music, dance and other performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie and belonging.

The Handloom Carnival at NIFT Chennai was celebrated with great enthusiasm as part of National Handloom Day. Around 280 students participated in the #WearYourTribe Fashion Walk, proudly styling and showcasing handloom textiles representing diverse Indian traditions. Students explored sarees, dresses, shirts, and contemporary ensembles while celebrating the beauty of indigenous weaves. From Kanchipuram silk and Chettinad cotton to Ilkal, Chanderi, Kalamkari and Sambalpuri textiles, the event became a vibrant celebration of India's rich handloom heritage, creativity and cultural identity.

The Handloom Carnival at NIFT Chennai was successfully conducted on 7th August 2026 as a vibrant celebration of National Handloom Day. The event brought together around 280 enthusiastic students who participated in the #WearYourTribe Fashion Walk, using fashion as a medium to celebrate India's diverse textile traditions.

Students came dressed in handloom sarees, dresses, shirts, skirts, jackets and contemporary silhouettes, creatively styling traditional textiles in their own individual ways. The walk showcased the richness of Indian handlooms, including Kanchipuram silk sarees, Chettinad cotton sarees, Ilkal sarees, Chanderi sarees, Sambalpuri sarees, Maheshwari sarees, Bengal cotton sarees, Mangalagiri cotton, Kerala Kasavu, Kalamkari textiles and handwoven Khadi. Students also incorporated handloom fabrics into contemporary dresses, co-ord sets, shirts, jackets and fusion ensembles.

The event highlighted how traditional textiles can be reinterpreted through contemporary fashion while retaining their cultural identity. The diverse styling reflected the students' personal connection with their regional traditions and demonstrated that handlooms can seamlessly move between heritage and modern expression.

The enthusiastic participation, vibrant presentation and collective spirit made the Handloom Carnival a great success, creating a meaningful platform for students to wear, celebrate and promote India's handloom heritage.

"Timeless Weaves of Kancheepuram" was an insightful exhibition-cum-sale featuring Master Weaver Sri. Harikrishnanganesan. The event showcased authentic Kancheepuram saree motifs, traditional yarn varieties, and natural dye samples on silk and cotton. Visitors gained hands-on technical understanding through live demonstrations of the Jacquard weaving process and the intricate Jaala technique using a mini Jacquard box. Accompanied by an engaging talk on the intricate process of Kancheepuram silk weaving, the session offered an immersive look into India's rich handloom heritage.

Organised by SDAC and CIC in collaboration with NIFT Chennai, the Ministry of Textiles, and DCHL, "Timeless Weaves of Kancheepuram" was an educational exhibition-cum-sale celebrating India’s rich textile heritage. The event featured renowned Master Weaver and silk saree designer, Sri. Harikrishnanganesan, who brought the legendary craft of Kancheepuram silk weaving directly to life.

The event offered attendees an immersive technical and artistic experience. Key highlights included a display of traditional Kancheepuram saree motifs, diverse yarn types, and vibrant natural dye samples rendered on both cotton and silk bases. To bridge theory with practice, Sri.Harikrishnanganesan delivered an expert talk detailing every phase of the Kancheepuram weaving journey—from initial thread preparation to final execution. Adding tremendous value to the event were live craft demonstrations. Visitors witnessed live displays of the complex Jaala technique, a mini Jacquard box, and the intricate mechanics of Jacquard weaving firsthand. The combination of rare technical insights, live artisan demonstrations, and an exclusive saree sale made "Timeless Weaves of Kancheepuram" a memorable celebration of traditional Indian craftsmanship, deeply appreciated by faculties and design students.